The U.S. administration has temporarily suspended immigrant visa applications worldwide, citing the need to train consular officers.
Applicants awaiting interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates were sent emails informing them that their appointments had been rescheduled. They were told that new dates and times would be provided later.
Public charge assessment in applications
A State Department spokesperson said visa applications would be reviewed to determine whether applicants could become a public charge as defined under U.S. law.
The spokesperson said that, as part of the goal of creating a more prosperous United States, applicants’ likelihood of becoming dependent on public benefits intended for Americans in need would have to be assessed.
Global training for consular staff
Through a global training initiative launched this month, the State Department aims to ensure that all consular officers evaluate visa applications comprehensively and consistently.
The department announced that interview appointments would be rescheduled to align with the comprehensive training. No date was provided for when processing would return to normal.
The Trump administration’s immigration policy
The decision came as the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump was tightening its immigration policy. The administration had previously sought to impose new restrictions on visas and green cards and had largely ended the refugee resettlement program.
Appointment cancellations burden applicants
Brian Simmons, an attorney at the Washington-based immigration law firm Fragomen, said many applicants had spent thousands of dollars to attend their interviews and had changed their living arrangements.
Simmons said the last-minute cancellation of some interviews had caused serious hardship for applicants.
Federal court proceedings
The latest decision came after a federal judge last week overturned the Trump administration’s decision to halt immigration applications from people from 75 mostly poorer countries.
The administration had argued that citizens of those countries could require U.S. public assistance.
